Charlie Morton is a professional baseball player who has had a fascinating career filled with ups and downs. He is currently a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and has made a name for himself as one of the most reliable pitchers in the league.
Morton has been a key contributor to several teams throughout his career, including the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and of course, the Atlanta Braves.
We will explore Morton’s career, from his early days in the minor leagues to his recent successes with the Braves. We will also delve into his pitching style, achievements, and philanthropic efforts off the field.
Charlie Morton’s Early Career
Draft and Early Minor League Career
Charlie Morton was born on November 12, 1983, in Flemington, New Jersey. He attended high school in Redding, Connecticut, where he played baseball and basketball.
Morton was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2002 MLB draft, and he began his professional career in the minor leagues.
He played for several Braves’ farm teams, including the Gulf Coast Braves and the Rome Braves, before making his major league debut in 2008.
Early Mlb Career With the Braves and Pirates
Morton’s early years in the majors were a mixed bag. He struggled to find his footing with the Braves, posting a 6.15 ERA in 2008 and a 7.57 ERA in 2009. In 2009, Morton was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was able to make some improvements.
He had a solid 2011 season, posting a 3.83 ERA in 29 starts, and followed it up with an even better 2013 season, during which he had a 3.26 ERA and 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
Injury Setbacks and Bounce-back Seasons
Unfortunately, Morton’s success was short-lived, as he suffered a number of injuries that set him back. In 2014, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss most of the season. In 2016, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for a few weeks.
Despite these setbacks, Morton was able to bounce back in 2017, when he had a career-best 3.62 ERA and helped lead the Astros to a World Series championship.
Morton continued his success in 2018 with the Astros and had another strong season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019 before signing with the Braves in 2020.
The Houston Astros Years
Signing With the Astros
After the 2016 season, Morton became a free agent and signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Houston Astros. The Astros were coming off a disappointing 2016 season and were looking for starting pitching depth, which Morton provided.
World Series Success
Morton had an immediate impact with the Astros, going 14-7 with a 3.62 ERA in 2017. He was even more impressive in the playoffs, going 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA in seven starts, including a win in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Morton’s performance in the postseason helped the Astros win their first World Series championship in franchise history.
Controversy With the Sign-stealing Scandal
In 2019, it was revealed that the Astros had been using an illegal sign-stealing scheme during their championship season in 2017.
Morton was not directly implicated in the scandal, but he did speak out against his former team, saying that he was “disappointed” and that he “didn’t know it was to that extent.”
Morton also acknowledged that he benefited from the scheme, as it helped him pitch better in some games.
Leaving the Astros for the Rays
After the 2018 season, Morton became a free agent again and signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Morton was a key contributor to the Rays in 2019, going 16-6 with a 3.05 ERA and making the All-Star team for the first time in his career.
He continued his strong performance in 2020, going 2-2 with a 4.74 ERA in nine starts before being traded to the Braves at the trade deadline.
Return to the Atlanta Braves
Signing a One-year, $15 Million Contract
After the 2020 season, Morton became a free agent again and signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Atlanta Braves on November 24, 2020. The Braves were looking to bolster their pitching staff and saw Morton as a key addition to their roster.
Key Role in the Braves’ 2021 Season
Morton had a strong start to the 2021 season with the Braves, going 3-2 with a 3.76 ERA in his first nine starts. He was also a key contributor in the postseason, helping the Braves reach the World Series for the first time since 1999.
Morton pitched in three postseason games, including Game 1 of the World Series, in which he pitched 5 2/3 innings and struck out six batters before leaving the game with a broken fibula.
Agreement on a One-year, $20 Million Extension
Despite his injury, Morton’s performance in the 2021 season impressed the Braves, and they agreed to a one-year, $20 million extension with him on September 6, 2021.
This contract extension ensures that Morton will remain with the Braves for the 2022 season and gives the team a reliable starting pitcher to build their rotation around.
With Morton’s leadership and veteran presence on the mound, the Braves will undoubtedly be a contender for the World Series again in the upcoming season.
Charlie Morton’s Pitching Style and Achievements
Morton’s Pitching Repertoire
Charlie Morton is a right-handed starting pitcher known for his variety of pitches and deceptive delivery. His pitching repertoire includes a four-seam fastball, a sinker, a curveball, and a cutter, which he mixes effectively to keep batters off balance.
Morton also has a good feel for pitching, as evidenced by his ability to throw quality strikes and get swings and misses when he needs them.
Highlights of Morton’s Career Achievements, Including All-star Appearances and Cy Young Award Votes
Morton has had a successful career as a starting pitcher, earning several accolades along the way. He has been named an All-Star two times, in 2018 with the Astros and in 2019 with the Rays. He has also received votes for the Cy Young Award three times, finishing third in the voting in 2019.
In addition to these individual achievements, Morton has played a key role in his teams’ successes over the years. He helped the Astros win their first World Series championship in 2017, and he played an important role in the Rays’ success in 2019 and 2020.
With the Braves, Morton has already made an impact, helping them reach the World Series in 2021. Overall, Morton’s achievements as a starting pitcher speak to his skill, versatility, and consistency on the mound.
His deceptive delivery and pitching repertoire make him a formidable opponent for any batter, and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations has earned him a reputation as one of the game’s top pitchers.
Off the Field: Charlie Morton’s Philanthropy
Morton’s Involvement in Charitable Causes, Such as the Epilepsy Foundation
Off the field, Charlie Morton is actively involved in charitable causes and has used his platform as a professional athlete to give back to the community.
One cause that is particularly close to his heart is the Epilepsy Foundation, as Morton’s daughter has been diagnosed with the condition.
He has participated in events and fundraisers for the foundation and has used his social media presence to raise awareness and promote education about epilepsy.
Morton’s Impact on His Communities, Including His Hometown of Flemington, New Jersey
Morton has also made an impact in his communities, including his hometown of Flemington, New Jersey. He has donated time and resources to local organizations and schools, and he has been an active supporter of youth sports programs in the area.
In 2019, he hosted a charity golf tournament to benefit the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, raising over $50,000 for the organization.
Morton’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to making a positive impact on the world outside of baseball.
His involvement in charitable causes and dedication to his communities further solidify his status as a role model and leader, both on and off the field.
Charlie Morton’s Career Highlights
| Year | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | ATL | Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round |
| 2008 | PIT | MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| 2011 | PIT | Led National League rookies in strikeouts |
| 2017 | HOU | Won World Series championship with the Houston Astros |
| 2018 | HOU | Named American League Pitcher of the Month (June) |
| 2018 | TBR | Selected to first All-Star Game |
| 2019 | TBR | Named American League Pitcher of the Month (May) |
| 2019 | TBR | Received Cy Young Award votes |
| 2021 | ATL | Helped lead the Atlanta Braves to the National League Championship Series |
| 2021 | ATL | Agreed to one-year, $20 million contract extension with the Braves |
Note: This table is not comprehensive and includes only some of Charlie Morton’s career highlights.
FAQs
What teams has Charlie Morton played for in his career?
Charlie Morton has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Atlanta Braves (in two separate stints), Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays.
How old is Charlie Morton?
As of April 2023, Charlie Morton is 39 years old. He was born on November 12, 1983.
What is Charlie Morton’s contract status with the Atlanta Braves?
Charlie Morton signed a one-year, $20 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves in September 2021, which will keep him with the team through the 2022 season.
Has Charlie Morton ever won a Cy Young Award?
While Charlie Morton has received votes for the Cy Young Award on three occasions, he has not won the award to date.
What is Charlie Morton’s career win-loss record?
As of April 2023, Charlie Morton’s career win-loss record is 109-82, with an ERA of 3.63 and 1,617 strikeouts.
Conclusion
Charlie Morton has had an impressive career as a starting pitcher, with achievements that include two All-Star selections, Cy Young Award votes, and a World Series championship. He has also been an active supporter of charitable causes and has made a positive impact in his communities.
Morton’s talent on the mound, combined with his dedication to giving back, make him an inspiring figure in the world of baseball and beyond.
As he continues his career with the Atlanta Braves, it will be exciting to see what he accomplishes both on and off the field in the years to come.
